Hiking trails and viewpoints in Kamloops: Where to go and what to know

Kamloops (Tk’emlúps) has great options for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and as the temperatures rise so do the opportunities to get outside. If you don’t love hiking there are a few spots in the city to enjoy the scenery and do other activities. For those hikers who might be new to Kamloops, here is a list of various spots you can challenge yourself and enjoy nature, as well as a round up of viewpoints for easy access to the outdoors.

Viewpoints

Besides popular viewpoints such as the Scenic Outlook, there are a variety of spots for pictures and views. You can also do some reading, picnics, meditation or combine it with your favourite activities.

Tranquille Viewpoint

Located on Tranquille-Criss Creek Road, this spot offers a great overview of the Thompson River and Cooney Bay. As you drive to the viewpoint, you might get a look at the Tranquille Sanatorium and other scenery.

TRU Viewpoint

Beside the Thompson Rivers University campus you can find the viewpoint where you can walk and enjoy the view of the mountains, the river and the city.

Sunset Trail Lookout Point

To reach this lookout point you will have to hike starting at Kenna Cartwright Nature Park,keep left at the first T and follow the trail. Once at the lookout point, there are views of the Thompson River from a south point and various hills that surround Kamloops. For a detailed guide on how to get there, visit Hike Kamloops.

Kamloops Lake Viewpoint

A bit of a longer drive, this spot offers views of Kamloops Lake and mountains. Drive up to the viewpoint, see the train, take in the mountains and enjoy the outdoors.

Buse Lake Lookout

A short and easy hike to Buse Lake Lookout offers views of the Thompson Basin, filled with greenery and mountainous terrain.

Hikes

Kamloops offers a wide variety of hiking trails you can access over this upcoming spring and summer. Here is a list of various options.

Kenna Cartwright Nature Park

This park offers various trails including the tower trail, the sunset trail, reservoir trail and others.In 1996 the park was established, named after the former councillor and mayor of Kamloops. The park has almost 800 hectares of Mount Dufferin, and offers over 55 kilometres of nature trails and there are not any extreme or technical rated trails.

Peterson Creek Nature Park

Peterson Creek offers various trails including the view of the Bridal Veil Falls and the Xget’tem’ Trail which is a multi-use path connecting Sahali and downtown. Xget’tem’ means deep valley in Secwépemc. This map offers detailed information on what trails can be done in the park. There are picnic tables, barbeque spots, and grassy areas. It has around 100 hectares and around 10 kilometres of trails.

Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park

Although it is not as big as Kenna Cartwright Park, Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park has various trails with a variety of difficulties. There still are options for a picnic and great views. A full view of the park and trails are presented on this map.

Juniper Ridge – Rose Hill Loop

Besides being a residential area, Juniper Ridge also has various trails that overview the South Thompson River. One of them is the Rose Hill Loop located along Coldwater Drive where you can start the hike, more detailed information is available on this hike.

Lake du Bois Protected Grasslands

There are plenty of hiking trails in this area along with canyons, cliffs, small lakes and secret ponds. The grasslands are in close proximity to each other, a lot of greenery can be found on the upper parts of the grasslands. BC Parks is responsible for the conservation of this park and there are different trails available for example.

• Mara Trail: The trail overlooks Kamloops Lake and the Thompson River. To hike this trail it is recommended to do so in a counter-clockwise direction and it is considered a moderate trail.
• Cinnamon Ridge Trail: This trail is special because it has hoodoos which are tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. The hike goes past a ridge and gets to Mara hill, it is considered a moderate to hard trail. 
• Dewdrop Trail: The trail has views of the underlying valley of Kamloops Lake and it is considered a moderate trail with a steep climb. During the hike you might encounter California Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife. 
• Grasslands Community Trail: This trail is great for trail runners and mountain bikes. The trail is moderate to hard due to its hills, and you can encounter unique wildlife and do some bird watching.

If you are interested to know more about this area the BC Parks website has a detailed description of this area.

Did we miss any great spots in Kamloops? Please let us know at macarena@thewrennews.